The new building will be used mainly as a public library as well as for cultural activities. However the layout of the bookshops is unusual, they are considered as houses in the village which have fences, paths, community courtyards, where we can also find "squares" for meetings and events. An organic view of space
Public space for cultural activities in China. Bookshops develop as paths and courtyards
In Fuzhou people used to meet under the trees to discuss, making the culture of the village rise together with nature. Waterfrom Design, project manager of Fuzhou Vanke Golden Field of International Reception Center takes this cue as the main conceptual axis
On the first floor, there is a cafeteria that connects the interior space with street activities. Behind the counter a layer of books and a layer of vegetation are interspersed in a miniature forest, breaking up the stereotypical image of a cafeteria or library
To the right of the entrance we can see the amber-red corner that detaches from the warm grey and neutral off-white of the room. The reception area is made of thin strips of bamboo to create a material detachment. The warm "temperature" of the red spirals up the staircase, where high shelves display prints representing the history of life in Fuzhou and some cultural relics
The second floor is the main exhibition area, here an open bookcase spatially divides the surface to outline framed landscapes and the shelves are transformed into seats, hidden reading corners
Gallery
